Facts-H1N1 » Symptoms & facts

Fighting H1N1-Swine Flu with a strong Immune system

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:13:13 +0000

A common and often overlooked reality is that a strong immune system will contribute in defeating the swine flu (H1N1 flu) if you are infected, without you ever knowing you had the virus (no symptoms) or without the need of immunization from the H1N1 vaccine. The human body tends to fall victim to virus and foreign attacks whether the threat is either too great (or new) or the immune system itself is too weak to fight the assault. The swine flu, or H1N1 strain of the influenza flu, is another type of the seasonal flu, and behaves similarly.

A healthy, strong and active immune system is the key to warding of a viral attack, with or without the flu vaccine been administered.

Thus, although the most common way to fight (not to be confused with contracting the virus) any flu may be believed to be a flu shot or vaccine, this may not be entirely the “only” or best defense. A healthy, strong and active immune system is the key to warding of a viral attack, with or without the flu shot been administered. Even when a person does take the swine flu (H1N1) vaccine, that person should still maintain certain positive lifestyle habits that ensure a healthy and strong immune system and a natural bodily defense.

The main concern with global governments and their public “push” for vaccination of the H1N1 flu is that a healthy person may actually have the virus (yet show no symptoms) but may not fall victim to it or become sick; due to a strong immune system. Instead the infected person may pass it on to others (during the dormancy, but still contagious stage lasting 2-3 days), yet beat the virus before it reproduces enough to show symptoms. Whereas, the newly infected person may not be able to fight the virus and in term fall ill. C Even when one has taken the H1N1 flu (swine flu) vaccine, to teach the body’s immune system to fight the H1N1 virus, the key is still a healthy immune system.

What are healthy choices, lifestyles and diet that actually promote a strong immune system?

-Cardiovascular system – Not only does our muscles, lungs and heart benefit from a well exercised cardiovascular system, but so to does the active agents of our immune system. By providing a healthy blood pressure and blood flow along with necessary oxygen, the immune system, composed of white blood cells and antibodies, are able to efficiently produce and travel within our bodies. Thus, keeping fit and active will help insure a strong defense against the H1N1 (swine flu) and other intrusions to our body.

-Proper sleeps – Although often widely overlooked; bountiful sleep does wonders for the mind and body. Insufficient sleep on the other hand has been proven to greatly reduce the human immune system and cause stress deep with the body. It is therefore very important to ensure you are getting the proper amount of sleep needed for your body to maintain stress free and fight any type of bug or flu.

-Stress & Anxiety – Without question stress is one of the most influential strains on the immune system. Stress can be caused by many contributors within and outside of the body. Unhealthy diets that contribute to headaches, stomach or liver complications can cause the body stress. Injuries and traumas can cause the body to also deal with undesired stress. Furthermore, stress from work, relationships and finical problems can bring on major stresses that affect the body and in turn can leave a weakened immune system that is susceptible to the H1N1 (swine flu).

Even sudden changes in temperature can bring on a surprisingly high amount of stress to the body (so avoid just stepping out for that quick minute without the coat in the middle of winter)

The body’s immune system can be thought of like an army, it works best with preparation, in greater numbers, needs reinforcements, supplies and time to regroup.

Sometimes one has to remember that the body’s defenses & immune system are not “unlimited” and can’t just take on any amount of “attacks to the body”. Sometimes too many health issues that occupy the immune system’s resources allow for easier access of further attacks to the body to succeed. That is why it is often learned that many cases of death deriving from the swine flu (H1N1), that the victim had “underlying health” issues – In other words, the immune system itself was very worn down, preoccupied with another health issue to mend, or was itself weakened and beat by the time the H1N1 virus entered the body. The body’s immune system can be thought of like an army, it works best with preparation, in greater numbers, needs reinforcements, supplies and time to regroup.

Diet – Of course, as mentioned above, there are many types of food that can produce negative effects on the body, but some foods will actually help ensure and build up your immune system.

-Nutrients – Of course most of all foods are nutritious; however, some foods hold more nutrients than others. Highly processed foods tend to be reduced of natural nutrients and vitamins due to the refining or manufacturing process. Also, processed food are jammed packed with many chemicals and ingredients that tend to only prevent food from turning bad, instead of providing any actual nutritious value. Even cooked foods tend to loose precious enzymes that assist in the breakdown of nutrients and in the digestive process. Examples of healthy non-processed food choices are, fresh fruits (shakes and smoothies too) and vegetables including squashes, salads and spinach (uncooked), some oils and vinegars, herbs and spices, fish (filets), chicken (whole or parts not nuggets), red meat (in moderation), nuts and seeds…again, in general, the more natural the food the less processed. In addition note that the food labels do not have a measure for “Total Nutrient”…but you can judge the food by looking at the overall make up of the various nutrients and vitamins…look for a natural balance and the amount of varying nutrients For example take a look one day at the nutrient label of baby formula, compared to pasta. The baby formula has about 10 times more different nutrients and vitamins.

Vitamin C is not stored in the body and needs to be replenished every day

Vitamin C – yes of course this particular vitamin is known for its excellent affect on the immune system, however many people do not know the lemons & strawberries contain more vitamin c than oranges.

Also note that most orange juice bought at stores is processed. Although it may have been freshly squeezed, it then is stored in large drums and chemicals added to prevent the juice from going bad. This process allows for the public to have orange juice in the middle of winter or during its off season. The best orange juice is from oranges that you freshly squeeze at home and have that moment –usually during the orange season.

More so, Vitamin C is not stored in the body and needs to be replenished every day.

Because vitamin C is water soluble, it is extremely delicate and can easily be lost through improper cooking or storage. Fresh, raw fruits and vegetables are best sources of Vitamin C. If the foods must be cooked, they should be cooked as briefly as possible at only moderate temperatures – high heat can destroy Vitamin C. Boiling, freezing, and canning also deplete the nutrient, and heavily processed fruits and vegetables may lose up to 70 percent of their Vitamin C before being consumed.

Substance abuse and drugs – Known substance abuse such as abuse of alcohol, the use of corticosteroids, and the ingestion of stimulants such as cocaine can contribute to a weakened immune system.

Your body needs your help in order to maintain its fighting force to combat virus such as the H1N1 (swine) flu. Contributors such as a stress free life, healthy & natural diet combined with regular and sufficient rest and sleep will ensure your body is up to the task of warding off intrusions such as the H1N1 influenza strain without the need of a vaccine at all.

Undestanding the h1n1 Flu

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:24:39 +0000

Introduction

- Pandemic H1N1 (originally referred to as “swine” flu) is a

respiratory disease caused by type A influenza virus.

• Human cases of pandemic H1N1 influenza started showing up in the U.S. in late March 2009, and quickly spread throughout the country and the world. In June 2009,the World Health Organization declared a pandemic of the new virus.

Risks

• Infections with pandemic H1N1 flu can be mild to severe. Most cases in the U.S. have been similar to seasonal flu.

• Certain groups are at increased risk of complications from influenza, whether they have infection from the newly identified flu strain, or seasonal flu varieties. These include children aged younger than five years, pregnant women, people older than 65 years and those with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or compromised immunity.

• People in these groups who develop a high fever with cough, sore throat, or muscle aches, or parents of young children with these symptoms, should call their health care provider.

• Like other influenza illness, pandemic H1N1 flu spreads from

person to person through coughing or sneezing of people who

are sick.

• You cannot get pandemic H1N1 flu from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of pandemic H1N1 are similar to the symptoms of regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also experienced diarrhea and vomiting.

• Like seasonal flu, pandemic H1N1 may cause a worsening of

underlying chronic medical conditions. Most deaths have been in people with underlying medical conditions.

• Seek emergency medical care if you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs:

o Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

o Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

o Sudden dizziness

o Confusion

o Severe or persistent vomiting.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

o Fast breathing or trouble breathing

o Bluish skin color

o Not drinking enough fluids

o Not waking up or not interacting

o Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

o Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough

o Fever with a rash.

Treatment

• Most people with pandemic H1N1 get better with normal

supportive care.

• In some settings antiviral medication may be indicated to reduce symptoms or prevent the spread of disease. Currently, it is recommended only for hospitalized patients and persons who, based on their age or chronic health conditions, are at increased risk of complications.

• Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in the body.

• If treatment is started within two days of the onset of symptoms, antiviral drugs can help prevent serious flu complications, may make illness milder and help patients feel better faster.

Prevention

• Vaccine to protect against pandemic H1N1 is currently being developed, but is not yet available.

• Regular flu vaccines do not generally protect against pandemic H1N1 flu. However it is a good idea to get a flu shot or nasal mist vaccine to protect against the other types of influenza that circulate every year.

• There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

o Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also

effective.

o Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

o Always stay home from work or school when you’re sick, and limit contact with others to keep them from getting sick.

o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

General symptoms of h1n1 strain influenza (swine flu)

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:13:38 +0000